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P E N I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Writers in Prison Committee
Half-yearly CASELIST
To 31 December 2011
PEN International
Writers in Prison Committee
50/51 High Holborn
London WC1V 6ER
United Kingdom
Tel: + 44 020 74050338
Fax: + 44 020 74050339
e-mail: wipc@pen-international.org.uk
web site: www.pen-international.org.ukPEN INTERNATIONAL Writers in Prison Committee
PEN International is the leading voice of literature worldwide, bringing together poets, novelists, essayists, historians, critics, translators, Contents
editors, journalists and screenwriters. Its members are united in a common concern for the craft and art of writing and a commitment to The Writers in Prison Committee of Pen International records of persecuted writers are updated daily. For up-to-date information on a
freedom of expression through the written word. Through its Centres, PEN operates on all five continents with 144 centres in 102 countries. particular country (or countries), contact the Writers in Prison Committee headquarters in London.
Founded in London in 1921, PEN connects an international community of writers. It is a forum where writers meet freely to discuss their
work. It is also a voice speaking out for writers silenced in their own countries.
The Writers in Prison Committee of Pen International was set up in 1960 as a result of mounting concern about attempts to silence critical List of cases by country
voices around the world through the detention of writers. It works on behalf of all those who are detained or otherwise persecuted for their
opinions expressed in writing and for writers who are under attack for their peaceful political activities or for the practice of their profession, Africa 4 Middle East 76
provided that they did not use violence or advocate violence or racial hatred.
Member centres of PEN International are active in campaigning for an improvement in the conditions of persecuted writers and journalists. The Americas 21 List of Centre with Honorary Members 90
They send letters to the governments concerned and lobby their own governments to campaign for the release of detained writers and for inves-
tigations in cases of torture and killings. Through writing to the families and, where possible, directly to prisoners, they provide encouragement Asia and Pacific 33 Case statistics 91
and hope.
PEN International has consultative status at the United Nations and with UNESCO. Europe and Central Asia 51
For more visit www.pen-international.org
PEN INTERNATIONAL CHARTER Anyone wishing to take action on any individual mentioned in this Caselist should contact the Writers in Prison Committee headquarters for
The PEN Charter is based on resolutions passed at its international congresses and may be summarised as follows: any update there may be on the case and for advice on appeals.
PEN affirms that:
1. Literature knows no frontiers and must remain common currency among people in spite of political or international upheavals. Explanation of Terms Used
2. In all circumstances, and particularly in time of war, works of art, the patrimony of humanity at large, should be left untouched by national Important: Please Read
or political passion. Main Cases
3. Members of P.E.N. should at all times use what influence they have in favour of good understanding and mutual respect between nations; Those cases listed as 'main cases' are those where the Writers in Prison Committee is confident that:
they pledge themselves to do their utmost to dispel race, class and national hatreds, and to champion the ideal of one humanity living in i. the person is a writer or journalist or is persecuted because of their writings;
peace in one world. ii. the person has not used violence towards his or her aims or advocated racial hatred.
4. P.E.N. stands for the principle of unhampered transmission of thought within each nation and between all nations, and members pledge In these cases, the Writers in Prison Committee will take all possible action for their release or for compensation. In cases where a prisoner is
themselves to oppose any form of suppression of freedom of expression in the country and community to which they belong, as well as held without charge or trial for a considerable length of time, the Writers in Prison Committee will consider them to be a main case until and
throughout the world wherever this is possible. P.E.N. declares for a free press and opposes arbitrary censorship in time of peace. It unless information is provided which shows that they have used violence or advocated racial hatred.
believes that the necessary advance of the world towards a more highly organized political and economic order renders a free criticism of
governments, administrations and institutions imperative. And since freedom implies voluntary restraint, members pledge themselves to Judicial concern
oppose such evils of a free press as mendacious publication, deliberate falsehood and distortion of facts for political and personal ends. These are cases where the main concern includes convictions based on trial proceedings which were manifestly unfair, where there are serious
concerns regarding allegations of torture or where there are other irregularities in the judicial process. In these cases, the Writers in Prison
Membership of P.E.N. is open to all qualified writers, editors and translators who subscribe to these aims, without regard to nationality, ethnic Committee calls for a re-trial following fair trial practice or is calling for an investigation of the alleged malpractice and for those found guilty
origin, language, colour or religion. of committing such acts as torture to be brought to justice.
Information sources Investigation case
An investigation case is one where the Writers in Prison Committee:
The WiPC gathers its information from a wide variety of sources. It seeks to confirm its information through two independent sources. Where
its information is unconfirmed, it will either take not action, or send an appeal worded to reflect the fact that the information is as yet incom-
i. needs more information to ascertain whether a person is a writer or is persecuted for their writings;
plete. Sources include press reports, reports form individuals in the region in question, reports from other human rights groups PEN members
ii. is not clear as to whether or not he or she has used violence or advocated racial hatred;
themselves, embassy officials, academics, prisoners’ families, lawyers and friends, and exile groups. It also works with international NGOs,
iii. has insufficient information to confirm that the event has taken place;
such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. It is a founder member of IFEX – the International Freedom of Expression Exchange.
iv is seeking confirmation that the person is still detained.
IFEX is a collaborative, on-line service in which several groups involved in the campaign for free expression pool information. Other members
include Article 19, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Index on Censorship, the International Federation of Journalists and Reporters sans The Writers in Prison Committee publishes details of investigation cases so as to provide a complete account of reports of abuses against
Frontieres, as well as regional and national groups. For further details see the IFEX website www.IFEX.org individuals practicising their right to free expression in all countries. However, it will not usually call for their release. Once sufficient
information is available, their cases will be reclassified as a main case or dropped as appropriate.
Our work would be impossible without our Sponsors who include:
'*' by a name indicates that the case is new to the Committee’s list since the last Writers in Prison Committee report. The last report was dated
OXFAM/NOVIB, Swedish International Development Foundation, Norwegian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Swedish Ministry of Culture, June 2011.
the Fritt Ord Foundation, Individual donations and membership fees from PEN members
Caselist July to December 2011 Raphaël NKAMTCHUEN: editor of the periodical La Boussole, was
PEN International Writers in Prison Committee
Details current up to 31 DEcember 2012
CAMEROON Detained: Investigation
*François Fogno FOTSO: editor of the private bimonthly Génération
charged with “unauthorized communication with a detainee” and “pos-
session of administrative documents labeled confidential by a public
Died in custody: investigation ongoing Libre was detained on 5 September 2011 and interrogated for at least prosecutor in Yaoundé on 24 February 2011. The charges are based on
Germain S. (“Bibi”) NGOTA NGOTA: founder and editor of the pri- four days without the presence of a lawyer. He was pressured to iden- a 27 October 2009 letter that was allegedly leaked from the office of
vate bimonthly newspaper Cameroon Express, died in Kondengui prison tify the sources for an August 2010 story by reporter Boris Nembop that top presidential adviser Laurent Esso. Guards found the letter on Nka-
AFRICA in the capital Yaoundé on 22 April 2010. His health had deteriorated since raised questions about a series of financial transactions by then public tax mtchuen as he left Yaoundé’s Kodengui Prison following an interview
he was imprisoned in February 2010 and according to his death certificate collector in the western city of Nkongsamba. Officers have also pressed with a jailed former Finance Minister on 17 February 2011. Nkamtchuen
he died from a lack of medical attention. Details of arrest: Ngota (38) the editor to disclose the whereabouts of Nembop. Fotso was taken to was detained for six days by military police before being charged. He
was arrested on 15 February 2010 along with editors Robert Mintya court on 9 September 2011, but was not charged, and was returned to the was freed pending trial on 24 March but reportedly went into hiding after
of Le Devoir and Serge Sabouang of La Nation, in connection with a custody of the military police in the capital, Yaoundé, where he was also receiving threatening phone calls. No further news as of 31 December
criminal complaint from presidential aide Laurent Esso in response to questioned, local journalists told CPJ. No further information as of 31 2011.
their investigation of allegations of corruption involving Esso and the December 2011. Background: In a story headlined “Embezzlement of
ANGOLA state-run oil company, National Hydrocarbons Company (SNH) (see en-
try for Mintya and Sabouang below). The journalists were transferred to
funds at the Treasury of Nkongsamba,” Génération Libre claimed that it
had received documents detailing a series of transfer of funds by Tabouli
Judicial Concern
* Enoh MEYOMESSE: writer, historian and president of the National
On trial Kondengui prison in March pending trial. Three weeks before his arrest, to his private accounts in amounts much larger than his salary as a govern- Association of Cameroonian Writers. He was arrested 29 November
Armando José CHICOCA: freelance reporter for various private Angolan Ngota had been picked up by Cameroon intelligence agency (DGRE) ment employee. The story challenged the tax collector to write a response 2011, on his return from a trip to Singapore, and charged with robbery
newspapers including Folha 8, Agora and O Apostolado as well as for agents while being treated for high blood pressure at a hospital in Yaoun- to the allegations, but the latter filed a complaint instead. Military police (of gold) and organizing a coup. He was held in solitary confinement and
the U.S. government-funded broadcaster Voice of America (VOA). On 4 dé and was held incommunicado without charge with Mintya, Sabouang have summoned Fotso at least four times since October 2010 over the denied access to a lawyer for the first 30 days of his detention, and after-
March 2011, Chicoca was sentenced to one year in prison and a US$2,100 and reporter Simon Hervé Nko’o of Bebela. Conditions/ treatment in article, but the editor has refused to comply with their demands. wards was moved into the general prison population in Yaounde’s main
fine on libel and defamation charges for reporting on sexual harassment custody: Ngota was reportedly held in a part of Kondengui prison where prison. He alleges that he was tortured and denies the charges. No date
allegations against the presiding judge of the Provincial Court of the hardened criminals are housed and where the conditions are extremely On trial has been set for a trial, which will take place in a military court. PEN has
coastal city of Namibe in 2007. The lawsuit was filed by the judge in harsh. Shortly before his death he had complained of fatigue, gout and Robert MINTYA and Serge SABOUANG: editors of the newspapers Le no position on the charges of gold trafficking or of organising a coup, but
question. The plaintiff also accused Chicoca of being the author of an joint pain. He had reportedly also suffered from high blood pressure, a Devoir and La Nation respectively, were conditionally released on 24 No- the evidence against him does seem dubious. Meyomesse was a candi-
anonymous comment accusing him of corruption posted below a story on hernia and asthma. However, according to Ngota’s mother, the authori- vember 2010 on orders of the President pending a trial for allegedly forg- date for the presidential election on 9 October 2011, under the banner of
the scandal on the popular Portugal-based Angolan critical news website ties rejected a plea for Ngota to be released on medical grounds, despite ing the signature of a presidential aide. The trial date or place had not the United National Front (UNF).
Club-K. Chicoca was transferred to Comarca Prison in Namibe following it being endorsed by the prison doctor. The Cameroonian government yet been announced. The editors reportedly faced up to 20 years in prison
sentencing. His defence lawyer was not present during his trial; it is not
clear whether or not he was barred from attending. Chicoca intended to
has not responded to allegations that security agents used psychological
and physical torture to force Ngota and the other journalists to reveal
if convicted. Details of arrests and imprisonment: Mintya and Sabouang
were arrested and briefly detained in early February 2010, alongside Ger-
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
appeal the ruling. He was released on bail of US$2,400 on 6 April 2011. their sources for the document on which the allegations against Esso were main “Bibi” Ngota Ngota of the Cameroun Express and journalist Simon Conditional Release
As of 30 June 2011 his appeal had not been heard. No news further news based. Government response: A 26 April 2010 statement issued by the Hervé Nko’o of the weekly newspaper Bebela. The arrest was in response Faustin BAMBOU: director of the independent weekly The Hills of Ban-
at 31 December 2011. Background: Chicoca spent a month in prison in President’s office stated that the judicial authorities would carry out an to the journalists’ investigation of allegations of corruption involving Lau- gui, was arrested by military policemen at his office on 27 May 2011 and
2007 after police arrested him while he was reporting on protests against impartial investigation but denied that the case was “a matter of restric- rent Esso, Secretary General of the President’s Office, and the state-run oil detained at their Research and Investigations Department for 10 days.
the demolition of a street market. [RAN 11/11 and updates] tion of freedom of the press” or that Ngota had died because of a lack company, National Hydrocarbons Company (SNH), of which Esso is also On 7 June he was charged with inciting hatred and disorder among the
of medical care. On 28 April, a minister publically disclosed that Ngota board chairman. Nko’o was reportedly tortured while in custody and went military forces and insulting the government and sent to Ngaragba Prison
Suspended Sentence had tested positive for HIV while in prison and had died of infections into hiding following his release. Mintya, Sabouang and Ngota were re-ar- in the capital Bangui. The charges stem from four articles Bambou wrote
* William TONET: editor of the private weekly Folha 8, was sentenced on arising from this condition, a claim refuted by Ngota’s widow. A letter rested on 26 February and charged with forging Esso’s signature in a docu- between April and May alleging that the Minister of Defence had embez-
12 October 2011 to one year in prison, suspended for 2 years, and fined 10 to PEN from the Minister of State dated 17 May stated that Ngota had ment and using it in an attempt to discredit him. They were transferred to zled funds from the European Union intended to cover the pensions of re-
million kwanza (US$105,000). Tonet was found guilty of criminal libel been receiving treatment for his health complaints in prison prior to his Kondengui prison in the capital Yaoundé on 10 March. Ngota died in prison tired military and police personnel. On 17 May, a government spokesman
for stories that alleged corruption and abuse of power by five senior offi- death. It also said that Ngota had sent an “apology letter” to the Minister on 22 April after being denied medical care (see above). The whereabouts criticized The Hills of Bangui and two other independent publications on
cials close to President José Eduardo Dos Santos. According to reports, regarding the forgery matter prior to his arrest. On 14 September 2010 of Nko’o, who was said to have forged the document in question, were not national radio, accusing them of conducting a “smear campaign” against
in a highly unusual move, the public prosecutor withdrew the charges in the Justice Minister released the official post-mortem into the death of known. Health concerns in prison: On 8 August 2010, Mintya was report- the Defence Minister. Bambou was released on 11 July 2011 after a judge
court and demanded the acquittal of the journalist. The judge ignored the Ngota saying that there was no sign of cuts, bruises or any other marks edly beaten around the head by another prison inmate, causing him to lose dismissed criminal charges of “inciting violence and hatred”. However,
request. Tonet’s trial, which began in 2008, was based on a complaint of torture. An internal report by the chief doctor at the Kondengui prison consciousness. He was admitted to the prison infirmary and on 25 August the judge fined Bambou 458 Euros on a lesser charge of libeling the Min-
filed jointly by Gen. Manuel Helder Vieira Dias Júnior Kopelipa, state repeated that Ngota died “as a result of opportunistic infections linked to was transferred to Yaoundé central hospital but reportedly had no access to ister of Defence. Background: In January 2008, Bambou was sentenced
minister and military adviser to the president; Gen. Antonio José Maria, HIV”. Ngota’s widow denied that Ngota had the HIV virus, while Ngo- free medical care. It is thought that the attack may have been reprisal for to six months in prison for inciting, revolt, abuse and for defamation for
head of military intelligence; Hélder Fernando Pitta Gróz, attorney- ta’s brother said that the journalist had been tortured in February when he Mintya’s implication of other people in the forgery case. Mintya was re- supposedly defaming the Central African Republic’s Minister of Mining
general of the armed forces; Francisco Pereira Furtado, former chief of was arrested and taken to the DGRE. Update: No further information at portedly told that he would be freed if he signed a statement saying that he (now Minister of Foreign Affairs) by writing about his alleged embezzle-
staff of the Angolan armed forces; and Sílvio Burity, national director 31 December 2011. Background: Ngota, who had worked as a journal- had been led astray and wrote a number of letters to Esso apologizing for ment. The President pardoned Bambou the following month.
of customs. Folha 8 had reported that the five men gained control of ist for 15 years, launched Cameroon Express in 2002-2003 and worked the forgery, some of which were published in L’Anecdote, a newspaper that
diamond mines in Lunda Norte province without public, competitive
bidding, according to news reports. During Monday’s court hearing in
for several other publications on a freelance basis. He was reportedly
well-known locally for his investigations on public corruption in the oil
supports Esso. When he failed to secure his release, Mintya reportedly then
wrote more letters accusing other leading Cameroonian personalities of
COMOROS
the capital, Luanda, Judge da Silva reportedly threatened to prosecute sector. He was survived by his wife and two children. Awards: Canadian being behind the forgery. Mintya reportedly spent a few days in hospital in On trial
journalists covering the trial if they recorded the proceedings. Tonet Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) awarded Ngota one of its 2010 late August before being returned to his prison cell. On 28 September 2010 Ali MOINDJIE and Hadji HASSAMALI: respectively editor of the pri-
immediately said he would appeal the sentence to the Supreme Court, but International Press Freedom Awards for his courage. [RAN 32/10] he was reportedly transferred to a psychiatric hospital. Update: No news on vate daily newspaper Albalad and editor of bimonthly La Tribune des
the judge imposed payment of the fine within five days, threatening to trial as of 31 December 2011; PEN is seeking an update. Award: Canadian Comores, were charged with “publishing false news” in the capital Mo-
imprison the journalist if he did not pay, news reports said. Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) awarded Sabouang one of its 2010 roni on 14 March 2011 in relation to their coverage of the handover of
International Press Freedom Awards for his courage. [RAN 45/10] power between outgoing President Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi and President-Elect (now President) Ikililou Dhoinine. The charges are Union ruled that the detention of the journalists was arbitrary and unlaw- liament adopted a strongly worded resolution urging Eritrea to “lift the
based on a news item, published in the 3 March 2011 edition of Albalad ERITREA ful and called on the Eritrean government to release and compensate the ban on the country’s independent press and to immediately release inde-
and in the 20 February 2011 edition of La Tribune des Comores, stating detainees. Information on Dawit Isaac: Isaac, who spent a number of pendent journalists and all others who have been jailed simply for exer-
that the official swearing-in ceremony of the President-Elect could be Imprisoned: main cases years in Sweden during the Eritrean war of independence and the border cising their right to freedom of expression.” Honorary Members: Amer-
delayed beyond the scheduled date of 26 May. The Presidential Chief of Detained in September 2001: dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia, holds Swedish citizenship. In No- ican PEN, PEN Canada. Dawit Isaac is an Honorary Member of Finnish
Staff denied the claim and the public prosecutor deemed the reports “of Emanuel ASRAT (editor-in-chief of Zemen – ‘Time’ ), Temesken GHE- vember 2001, the Swedish local consul held a brief meeting with Isaac in PEN and Swedish PEN. Awards: Isaac was awarded the 2009 Tucholsky
a nature to trouble public order.” The journalists reportedly face up to six BREYESUS (sports reporter of Keste Debena - ‘Rainbow’ - born c. jail. In April 2002, it was reported that Isaac had been hospitalized suffer- Award by Swedish PEN and the 2011 Golden Pen of Freedom, the an-
months in prison if convicted. No further news as of 31 December 2011. 1967), Mattewos HABTEAB (chief editor of Meqaleh - ‘Echo’ - born c. ing from injuries sustained through his torture. In November 2005, Isaac nual press freedom prize of the World Association of Newspapers and
1973), Dawit HABTEMICHAEL (assistant chief editor of Meqaleh - was briefly released for a medical check-up and was allowed to call his News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF born c. 1973), Dawit ISAAC (co-owner of Setit, playwright and writer
– born 1964), Date of arrest: in the days following 23 September 2001.
family and friends in Sweden. This was due to pressure by groups in
Sweden but did not lead to Isaac’s release: he was returned to prison two
Mahmud AHMED SHERIFFO, Haile WOLDETESNAE, Petros
SOLOMON, Saleh Idris KEKIA, General Ogbe ABRAHA, Astier
CONGO Sentence: it is thought that none have been put on trial. Details of arrest:
The detentions came in the wake of the closing down of all eight inde-
days later with no explanation. Since then Isaac has reportedly been
moved to various prisons around the country. In January 2009, he was
FESHATSION (f), Berhane GHEBRE EGHZABIHER, Hamid HI-
MID, Estifanos SEYOUM, Germano NATI and Beraki GHEBRE
Brief Detention pendent newspapers by the authorities on 18 September 2001 (these in- reportedly transferred from prison to an Air Force hospital in Asmara as SELASSIE: former Minister of Local Government, former Minister
*Odon MWAMBA: journalist for La Grogne, a private newspaper distrib- clude the weeklies Meqaleh, Setit, Tsigenay, Zemen, Wintana, and Ad- a result of serious illness but was later returned to prison. The most recent of Trade and Industry, former Minister of Fisheries, former Minister of
uted in Lubumbashi, was arrested on 23 October 2011 and detained for mas). Since then, only state-owned newspapers have been published. reports indicate that Isaac is being held at Eiraeiro prison camp, 10 miles Transportation and Communication, and former Chief of Staff of the De-
72 hours by the national Congolese police. He was arrested on charges According to news reports, presidential adviser Yemane Gebremeskel north of the capital Asmara, along with a number of the other detained fence Force and Minister of Trade and Industry respectively (the final six
of criminal defamation against the abbot Twité, rector of the grand semi- stated that these journalists (and the four others who are thought to have journalists. As of January 2010, Isaac was reportedly being kept in soli- were also former members of government), have been detained since 18
nary in Lubumbashi. According to information obtained by Journalists subsequently died in custody – see below) may have been arrested for tary confinement, in a tiny cell with no windows and was in very poor or 19 September 2001 after the publication in May 2001 of an open letter
in Danger, Mwama was arrested for attempting to verify information avoiding national service. Official position: The authorities have either physical and mental health. He and the other inmates are reportedly not critical of the government addressed to members of the ruling People’s
regarding an alleged affair between the abbot Twité and a young woman denied that a clampdown took place, claiming instead that the journalists allowed any contact with each other or the outside world, are routinely Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) party. All 11 were members of
from Lubumbashi. have merely been sent to carry out their national service, or that the clo- shackled and receive almost no medical care. Many are in a very poor the so-called G-15, a group of 15 PFDJ senior officials who signed the
sures and mass arrests were necessary for the sake of national unity or psychological state. As of 27 October 2010, when Isaac turned 46, he had letter. They were arrested in Asmara on 18 and 19 September 2001 and ac-
Death Threats were effected because of the newspapers’ failure to comply with laws still not been formally charged with any crime, and his whereabouts re- cused of crimes against national security and sovereignty. A twelfth G15
* Donat M’Baya TSHIMANGA, Tshivis TSHIVUADI: respectively covering media licences. However, a more likely explanation is that the mained unclear. A new collection of his writings, entitled Hope- the Tale member was also arrested but was released when he recanted. The three
president and secretary-general, of Journalists in Danger received death crackdown was an attempt to stamp out criticism of the Eritrean govern- of Moses and Manna’s Love, was unveiled at Sweden’s Goteborg book remaining members were abroad at the time of the arrests and have not
threats by email on 26 August 2011. The email said: ‘We are aware that ment’s treatment of students and political dissenters, and of its conflict fair in late September 2010. Update on IsaacOn 18 May 2011, during returned to Eritrea. In February 2002, in the first parliamentary session
you are paid to smear our country in the eyes of our partners. You will with Ethiopia. In April 2003, President Isaias Afewerki told Radio France the 21st Session of the African, Caribbean, Pacific – European Union since 2000, President Issayas Afewerki declared that the G-15 members
soon pay for this. You and your families. You are also destroying the Internationale that the journalists listed as arrested or missing had been (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly held in Budapest, EU and Afri- had “committed treason by abandoning the very values and principles the
careers of politicians in the government. We know you get money from bribed by forces opposed to the government to cause division. He stated, can countries decided that the Assembly’s next report on human rights Eritrean people fought for”. The National Assembly therefore “strongly
the opposition in order to combat the government. You were paid 50,000 “You cannot say a spy is a journalist…In the middle of the war we had to would focus on Isaac. This came about as a result of efforts by Swedish condemned them for the crimes they committed against the people and
dollars to combat the young parliamentarian Kisombe.’ (Kisombe is a check them. We had to say enough is enough.” In a 2004 interview, Pres- MEP Olle Schmidt, who has taken a special interest in Isaac’s case. Ac- their country”. After such statements it seems highly improbable that the
ruling party politician.) ident Afewerki commented that there had never been any independent cording to a 3 August 2011 report by the Committee to Protect Journal- eleven currently held will receive a fair trial. They have been held incom-
media in Eritrea, only journalists in the pay of the CIA. In a TV interview ists, the whereabouts and health status of Isaac and the other detained municado ever since and it is not known whether they have been formally
Case Closed in June 2009, the President said that he did not know what crime Dawit journalists remain unknown. In July 2011, Isaac’s brother, Esayas Isaac, charged. According to Amnesty International, their family and friends
Achille Kadima MULAMBA: managing editor for the newspaper Af- Isaac had committed but that he had made a “big mistake”. He added that reportedly filed a writ of habeas corpus with Eritrea’s Supreme Court have faced persecution whenever they have tried to speak out against the
rica News, was sentenced in absentia to eight months in prison and a the Eritrean authorities would not release Isaac or put him on trial and calling for information on the journalist’s location and a review of his detentions. In April 2009, Amnesty reported that at least one of the G-
US$10,000 fine by a lower court in the capital Kinshasa on 2 November that they have their “own ways of dealing with that”. Health concerns/ imprisonment. The writ was not supported by the Swedish government; 15 members, General Ogbe Abraha, had reportedly died in custody due
2010. The conviction stemmed from a defamation complaint brought by prison conditions: It was reported in April 2004 that the journalists were Foreign Minister Carl Bildt reportedly said the country’s goal was to have to the harsh conditions and lack of access to medical treatment. Astier
the local administrator of a European development fund on the basis of being held in secret security sections of the 2nd and 6th police stations in Isaac released on humanitarian grounds rather than stand trial. Health Feshatsion was said to be suffering from stomach ulcers. Most recent
a 26 October 2010 article which accused the administrator of embezzle- the capital Asmara. It is believed that they have since been moved to Concerns: Isaac reportedly suffers from a diabetic condition that requires information: According to Amnesty International, in early 2009 there
ment. The court also accused Mulamba of “bad faith” for refusing to prisons in various locations, where conditions are reputed to be brutal. medical supervision. : In its 2011 report, Amnesty International reported were unconfirmed reports that nine of the former government officials
publish the plaintiff’s right to reply. It is not clear whether Mulamba has There are serious concerns about severe ill treatment, possible torture, that Isaac remained in detention, allegedly in Eiraeiro prison camp. He known as the G-15 had died in detention since 2002. In its 2011 report,
lodged an appeal. Case closed due to lack of information poor health and lack of access to medical care, as highlighted by the re- was reportedly in poor mental and physical health.. Recent information Amnesty reported that the Eritrean government had failed to respond to
Pascal MULUNDA and Jeff SAILE: respectively journalist and editor of ported deaths of four journalists in custody (see below). In September on other journalists: On 18 February 2010, Reporters Without Borders these allegations in 2010.
weekly newspaper Le Monitor and editor of Le Barometre, are on trial 2009, Reporters Without Borders reported that many of the imprisoned reported that Emanuel Asrat and Dawit Habtemichael, like Isaac, were
for allegedly defaming a government official. Mulunda was arrested on journalists were being held in metal containers or underground cells in being held at Eiraeiro prison camp (cells 25 and 12 respectively). How- Detained after 2001:
26 July 2010 on criminal defamation charges and taken to Kinshasa’s Adi Abeito military prison (northwest of Asmara), Eiraeiro prison (near ever, an April 2010 article by the Committee to Protect Journalists cited a Yirgalem ASFHA (f) (essayist and journalist - staff member at Radio
Penitentiary and Re-education Centre. The arrest was based on a 26 June the locality of Gahtelay) and in the Dahlak archipelago. Reported deaths report by Radio Wegehta, an opposition station based in Ethiopia, in Bana, former art critic for the independent weekly newspaper Zemen;
complaint filed by an official with the Mining Ministry agency Saesscam in custody: In 2007, it emerged that four of the journalists who were ar- which an alleged former prison guard at Eiraeiro stated that Habtemi- Yirgalem FISSEHA MEBRAHTU (f) (poet and journalist for Radio
against Le Monitor and the weekly Le Barometre after the two newspa- rested in September 2001 had reportedly died in custody between 2005 chael had died in custody, in addition to the four journalists named above; Bana); Meles Negusse KIFLU: (writer, poet and journalist - Radio Zara
pers published a story on 23 June 2010 implicating the official in over- and early 2007: Said Abdelkader (Admas), Medhanie Haile (Keste De- this death is unconfirmed. The former guard reportedly also said that Yu- and Radio Bana, formerly worked for Tsigenay); Bereket MISGHINA
billing in the agency’s purchase of four vehicles. Mulunda was released bena), Yusuf Mohamed Ali (Tsigenay), Fesshaye Yohannes “Joshua” suf Mohamed Ali had died in June 2003 as a result of extreme heat, Med- (“Wedi Misghina”) (playwright and actor and staff member at Radio
on bail on 19 August. His lawyer stated that he must present himself to (co-owner of Setit, playwright and poet). Their deaths were attributed to hanie Haile had died due to lack of medical treatment while Fesshaye Bana). Date of arrest: 22 February 2009, during a raid on Radio Bana,
the court twice a week and was banned from leaving Kinshasa before harsh conditions and lack of medical attention. Some sources indicate Yohannes “Joshua” and Said Abdelkader had committed suicide. These based in Addis Ababa, during which at least 50 employees were arrested
the case comes to a close. It was also reported that Saile had gone into that that Yohannes had been tortured prior to his death, including having reports are likewise unconfirmed. No further news as of 30 June 2011. by the security forces. By April 2009, most had been released but a num-
hiding after receiving anonymous phone threats. Case closed due to lack his fingernails ripped out. ACPHR ruling: In May 2007, the African Update: According to Reporters Without Borders, the journalists are still ber remain in detention. Reasons for arrest: No reason has been given for
of information. Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACPHR) of the African detained as of 16 September 2011. In September 2011, the European Par- the journalists’ arrest and they have apparently not been charged with any offence. However, it is thought that Asfha and Misghina might have been rorism. Schibbye and Persson were found guilt of ‘supporting terrorism’ Islamic Council or Mejilis, published by Al-Quds in July. Akram Ezedin famed Ethiopian actor Debebe Eshetu on terrorism charges, triggered
arrested due to their close working relationship with foreigners and a on 21 December 2011, and sentenced to 11 years in prison. [RAN 64/11 was reportedly being held in a prison in Asaita, the regional capital of his arrest. Hagos is the fiancé of journalist Reeyot Alemu, who has been
programme broadcast on Radio Bana in January 2009 about participatory and updates] Afar and had reportedly appeared in Afar’s court four times but was yet imprisoned under terrorism charges since July 2011 (see above). Hagos
government. Radio Bana produces educational programs for the Ministry Woubshet TAYE and Reeyot ALEMU (f): respectively deputy editor to be charged. Pre-trial detention is illegal under Ethiopia’s Mass Media and Nega will be in police custody until October 12, in order to allow
of Education. Place of detention: May Srwa prison (Fisseha, Kiflu and of the independent weekly Awramba Times and contributor to the inde- and Freedom of Information Proclamation. Moreover, as Al-Quds is a the police to carry out their investigations. Police forbade visitors in the
Misghina); unknown (Asfha). Other information: Kiflu and Misghina pendent weekly newspaper Feteh, have been imprisoned pending trial national newspaper, any case against it should be heard in a federal not a courtroom when Nega was in court. Shortly after Hagos and Nega were
were reportedly first held at the Dobozito detention centre and then at the on charges of terrorism since June 2011. Details of arrest and detention: state court. As of October 2010, Akram Ezedin was still in detention. No arrested, the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front-
military prison in Adi Abeito, to the northwest of Asmara. Fisseha, who Taye was arrested at his home in Addis Ababa on 19 June 2011 by secu- further news as of 31 December 2011; PEN is seeking confirmation that controlled state television portrayed them as “spies for foreign forces”
was 27 at the time of her arrest, was initially taken to Adi Abeito but was rity agents who confiscated various documents, cameras, CDs and copies he is still imprisoned. [Update #1 to RAN 07/10] and accused them of harboring links with Ginbot 7. Update: Eskinder was
subsequently transferred to the nearby May Srwa prison. Misghina is said of Awramba Times, which provides in-depth political coverage. Alemu charged under terrorism legislation on 11 November 2011. He is accused
to come from a very prominent family in Keren in northern Eritrea. He was arrested two days later, on 21 June, at a secondary school where she On trial of having a relationship with the leaders of Ginbot 7, plotting terrorist acts
was reportedly tortured in 2002 after a screening of his film Fistametat. teaches English in Addis Ababa; her home was also searched by police. Temesgen DESALEGNE: editor of Amharic-language weekly Fitih, has and inciting the public to overthrow the government, passing such infor-
Asfha, who was thought to be aged 30 at the time of her arrest, is from Both were initially detained incommunicado without charge. Reasons for reportedly had more than 30 charges brought against him by the state mation to Ginbot 7 and the enemy state of Eritrean, and calling/organ-
Adi Keyih in the south of the country. Kiflu is married with two chil- arrests: The authorities did not disclose the reason for the arrests, but it prosecutor. He was summoned by police on 22 January 2011 to hear the izing and leading meeting that summoned for the purpose of terrorist
dren. Most recent information: On 18 February 2010, Reporters Without was suspected that both were detained under Ethiopia’s 2009 anti-terror- charges, which included “tarnishing the image of the ruling coalition”, goals. Background: Nega was previously briefly arrested and detained by
Borders reported that Fisseha, Kiflu and Misghina were being held in ism law. It was thought that Taye’s detention could be due to his alleged and was released after posting bail of US$500. Fitih also recently faced a the federal police on 11 February 2011 after leaving an internet café in
May Srwa prison, to the north of the capital Asmara. On 23 May 2010, sympathy for the banned political party Ginbot 7, which the Ethiopian libel suit by a parliamentarian, and in 2010 was prosecuted by the Ethio- Addis Ababa. He was accused of attempting to incite protests similar to
Reporters Without Borders said that Fisseha had been kept in solitary government recently designated as a terrorist organisation. Alemu’s arrest pian Broadcast Agency, a state body in charge of issuing licenses. No those that took place in Egypt and Tunisia in early 2011 in articles he had
confinement for a number of weeks for unknown reasons. No further in- was thought to be related to her articles criticising the ruling EPRDF par- further news on the charges as of 31 December 2011. recently posted online, in particular one posted a week earlier in which he
formation as of 30 June 2011. Update: Fisseha, Kiflu and Misghina were ty. Her 17 June column in Feteh was reportedly critical of the EPRDF’s Dawit KEBEDE and Wesenseged GEBREKIDAN: editors of Awram- defended the right to peaceful protest. He was warned that this article was
still detained as of 16 September 2011, according to Reporters Without public fundraising methods for the Abay Dam project, and drew parallels ba Times and Harambe respectively, are on trial for “incitement.” Arrest: viewed as an attempt to undermine the army and that he would be held
Borders. No mention of Asfha. between Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and the Libyan leader Muam- On 7 August 2008, Kebede and Gebrekidan were arrested and released responsible for any protests that took place in Ethiopia. Nega was jailed
Mulubrhan HABTEGEBRIEL: journalist for the independent newspa- mar Gaddafi. Charges: On 6 September 2011, Taye and Alemu appeared on bail. Charges: The police were reportedly acting on orders from the along with his wife, journalist Serkalem Fasil, between 2005 and 2007
pers Meqaleh and Setit, as well as an essayist, commentator and transla- before Ethiopia’s High Court and were charged under the antiterrorism Ministry of Justice, which had requested a criminal investigation into the on treason charges for their coverage of protests that followed the 2005
tor for Radio Zara and the state-run newspaper Hadas Eritrea. Date of law. Their lawyers said they did not have any details about the charges two papers. Awramba Times was charged for an editorial, interview and legislative elections.
arrest: 2008. Reason for arrest: Not known. Place of detention: Adi as they were not notified of the hearing and as a result could not attend. opinion piece that had appeared in five different issues, while Haram- *Mesfin NEGASH and Abiye TEKELEMARIAM: journalists for
Abeito military prison. Other information: Along with other prisoners Terrorism charges were also filed in absentia against Elias Kifle, editor be was charged for an editorial and opinion piece that had appeared in Addisnegeronline.com and based in Sweden and the UK respectively,
(including Bereket Misghina and Meles Negusse Kiflu – see above), re- of the US-based antigovernment website Ethiopian Review; Kifle lives three separate issues. Background: At the beginning of August 2008, were charged in absentia on 11 November 2011, with supporting terrorist
portedly taken to an unknown destination in armoured cars on the night of in exile in the USA. The journalists reportedly face life imprisonment Awramba Times had been warned by police that they would block the organizations through allegedly giving them a platform via their website.
22 May 2009 before being sent back to Adi Abeito. No further news as of if convicted. Update: according to reports, the defendants were due to distribution of the newspaper if it persisted in covering the political op-
30 June 2011. Update: Still detained as of 16 September 2011, according present their defence on 21 December 2011, and a verdict was expected position movement, Ginbot 7. Ginbot 7, which is named after the day on Threatened – Gone into Exile
to Reporters Without Borders. on 19 January 2012. Place of detention: Both are being held at the fed- which the disputed 2005 elections were held, is led by Berhanu Nega, *Argaw ASHINE: reporter for the Kenyan newspaper, Daily Nation, and
Wedi ITAY: freelance journalist, former journalist for Keste Debena; eral investigation centre at Maekelawi Prison in the capital Addis Ababa. a formerly imprisoned academic now in exile (see previous case lists). chairman of the Ethiopian Environment Journalists Association, fled
writer and essayist. Date of arrest: Unknown (reported by Reporters Treatment in prison/ health concerns: During a court hearing in August, Kebede and Gebrekidan were jailed alongside Nega in 2005 and spent Ethiopia in September 2011after being threatened and is now residing in
Without Borders in September 2009). Place of detention: A hospital in Taye said that he had been tortured by state officials while he was being 21 months in jail before being released on a conditional pardon in August an unknown location. He was cited in a US diplomatic Wikileaks cable
Asmara. Other information: Itay was in his 40s at the time of his arrest interrogated in prison. As of early September he was reportedly suffering 2007. Trial: In late February 2009, it was reported that the public pros- and, as a result, was interrogated by officials seeking the identity of his
and is now said to be seriously ill. He is reportedly a former member of from pain in his ear and stomach as a result of beatings, but had not been ecutor had filed criminal charges against both Kebede and Gebrekidan government source referred to in a 2009 cable about press harassment.
the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF). Update: Still detained as given any medical treatment. Alemu’s physical and psychological state at the federal court. Both were granted bail. Gebrekidan was unable to He said he fled after he was summoned for intensive questioning by
of 16 September 2011, according to Reporters Without Borders. of health was said to have seriously deteriorated in prison and as of early pay post bail and was imprisoned for a few weeks until local journal- officials from the Government Communication Affairs Office (GCAO)
September she was said to be extremely weak. Her relatives had been ists raised the money. If convicted, the journalists face a possible prison on two occasions and a third time by the police.”I was summoned by
ETHIOPIA allowed to visit her and bring her medicines but she had not received any
treatment from doctors. Both journalists said they had been denied access
sentence. UPDATE: Kebede went into exile in mid November 2011. He
said that he was forced to leave the country after he received a tip about
the police and they clearly told me that I have two choices, disclose my
source, otherwise face any possible consequences. We have this anti-
Imprisoned: main case to a lawyer during their interrogation. Background: The managing editor alleged government plans to re-imprison him. Kebede also said that the terrorism bill and according to that law I [could] face 20 years in prison
Martin SCHIBBYE: reporter for the Sweden-based news agency Konti- of Awramba Times, Dawit Kebede (see below), is reportedly the target of paper was unlikely to continue publishing. No further news on the trial with a single charge,” he said.
net, was arrested by Ethiopian security forces on 30 June or 1 July 2011 ongoing harassment by the authorities and by the pro-government media. as of 31 December 2011; PEN seeking an update. Awards: On 23 No- *Abebe TOLLA: newspaper satirist for the Amharic newspapers Feteh and
while reporting on the activities of the Ogaden National Liberation Front [RAN 34/11 and updates] vember 2010, Kebede was given the Committee to Protect Journalists’ Awramba Times went into exile in mid-November 2011 after receiving a
(ONLF), armed separatists operating in the oil-rich province of Ogaden International Press Freedom Award for “risking his freedom and security series of threats from government agents. Tolla’s satires were generally
in eastern Ethiopia, and on alleged human rights abuses carried out by Imprisoned: investigation to report the truth as he sees it in his country.” political. Tolla, also known as Abé Tokichaw, has been particularly critical
the Ethiopian security forces. Schibbye (30) was arrested along with a Akram EZEDIN: acting editor of the privately owned Islamic weekly of Ethiopia’s ruling party, accusing them of confusing ordinary people in
photojournalist for the same agency, Johan Persson (29). They were ar- newspaper Al-Quds, based in the capital Addis Ababa, has reportedly On Trial attempts to explain policies to constituents. He fled Ethiopia fearing impris-
rested following a battle between the ONLF and the Ethiopian army. Both been detained without charge since 11 September 2010. Ezedin (17 at *Eskinder NEGA, Sileshi HAGOS: respectively journalist and former onment in retaliation for his critical news commentaries. Tolla’s persecu-
men suffered light wounds. Charges: On 6 September 2011, Schibbye the time of his arrest) took over the running of the newspaper in Janu- managing director of now-defunct political magazine, Change, were tion started in May 2011, when a state security agent began trying to force
and Persson appeared before a court in the capital Addis Ababa and were ary when his father, Ezedin Mohamed, editor of Al-Quds, was sentenced arrested on 9 and 14 September 2011 under Ethiopia’s sweeping anti- Tolla to become a police informer. Tolla refused, and he was threatened
charged with “terrorism and entering the country illegally.” Their lawyers to one year in prison for a 2008 column criticizing statements made by terrorist legislation. They were accused of involvement with the banned with imprisonment. Tolla was also ordered to stop writing satires; again,
were reportedly not present at the hearing. The government claimed that Prime Minister Meles Zenawi during an interview with the British news- political party Ginbot 7 and appeared before a court on 15 September he refused. On 9 November 2011, Tolla was told that he would be charged
the journalists were working with the ONLF, which it designates a terror- paper The Guardian (see previous case list). On 11 September 2010, where they were remanded in custody for 28 days. There are concerns under Ethiopia’s anti-terrorism legislation and was accused of having
ist group. On 10 October 2011, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Ezedin Mohamed was released and Akram Ezedin was arrested, report- that Nega has been ill-treated in detention. Local journalists suspect that contact with an outlawed opposition group, Ginbot 7. Tolla maintains that
made public accusations that the two journalists were accomplices to ter- edly on the basis of articles critical of the performance of Afar’s local some of Nega’s latest writings criticizing the government’s arrest of the he is apolitical and that he has no contact with Ginbot 7. whereabouts remain unknown, though in an interview on 6 October 2011 collaborating on a book with Louis-André Dacoury-Tabley, foreign af- Medandje remained free pending the outcome of his appeal. A hearing
GAMBIA with the Daily News, Gambia’s justice minister, Edward Gomez, denied fairs coordinator for the Patriotic Movement of the Cote d’Ivoire (Mou- was set for October 2010. Case closed due to lack of information.
Manneh was in state custody and declared that he is alive. vement patriotique de Cote d’Ivoire – MPCI). In addition to his work Patrice POHE: journalist and communications advisor to the state pros-
Imprisoned: main case as a journalist and writer, Kieffer has also worked as a cocoa and coffee ecutor, was arrested and detained on the orders of his employer on 21 July
“Chief” Ebrimah MANNEH: reporter and sub-editor with the pro-
government Daily Observer, was reportedly arrested by two National
GHANA trade expert for a firm of consultants and had conducted numerous inves-
tigations into the coffee and cocoa sectors, some of which have exposed
2010 for allegedly leaking a report about embezzlement in the cocoa and
coffee sector to the privately-owned newspaper Le Nouveau. It was re-
Intelligence Agency (NIA) officers on 7 July 2006 and has held been in Death threat corruption. Investigation: The investigation into Kieffer’s disappearance, ported that his arrest followed the interrogation of Allan Alliali, manag-
incommunicado detention by the NIA at various sites ever since, seem- *Fred Tettey ALARTI-AMOAKO: the Brong Ahafo regional corre- led by French judge Patrick Ramaël, has dragged on since 2004 with no ing editor of privately-owned newspaper Le Quotidien. Both journalists
ingly without having been charged with any offence. The NIA has repeat- spondent for the Accra-based privately-owned Daily Guide newspaper, conclusion. Key suspects have included Michel Legré, the brother-in-law were interrogated separately before being interrogated face-to-face in the
edly denied that they have the journalist in their custody; the government said he received death threats following an article he wrote on 11 October of former President Gbagbo’s wife, Simone Gbagbo. Legré was charged presence of the secretary of the state prosecutor. At a hearing on 23 July,
also denies any knowledge of his case. It is believed that the reason for 2011, which carried the headline: “Chief beats Queen Mother in Public.” with ‘accessory to kidnapping’, ‘unlawful confinement’ and murder and Pohe’s case was adjourned to 26 July 2010; no reason was given. Case
Manneh’s arrest is that he is alleged to have had contact with a foreign The newspaper alleged that Chief Nana Bosomprah had been found held in an Abidjan detention centre for a year and a half before being Closed due to lack of information.
journalist before the July 2006 African Union Summit held in the Gam- guilty and fined by an investigating committee for denigrating his crown granted provisional release in October 2005. Jean-Tony Oulaï, an Ivorian
bian capital Banjul. Manneh apparently gave this journalist information
deemed by the Gambian government to have been damaging to the coun-
by fighting in public. The journalist said that he received death threats
from the chief’s men afterwards. In an email to the Media Foundation for
army captain who claims to have belonged to the Ivorian special services,
was detained for two and a half years from 2007 on suspicion of kidnap-
KENYA
try’s image. According to a former colleague, Ousman Darboe, Manneh West Africa (MFWA) on October 14, 2011, the journalist said: ‘The Chief ping and illegally detaining Kieffer before being provisionally released Killed: official investigation ongoing
reprinted a BBC story critical of President Yahya Jammeh’s democratic and his aides called me after the publication and threatened to kill me. in April 2010. Judge Ramaël has reportedly faced constant obstruction by Francis NYARURI: journalist for the independent newspaper Weekly
credentials; his decision was later overruled by editors and the relevant Although I have lodged an official complaint with the police, I am still the Ivorian authorities, although they have denied this. In October 2009, Citizen (under the pen name Mong’are Mokua), disappeared on 15 Janu-
issue of the Observer withdrawn. Manneh has reportedly been moved living in a state of fear because I do not know when they will strike.’ On it was reported that a man claiming to be a soldier in the Ivorian army said ary 2009 and was subsequently found murdered. Nyaruri left his residence
around the country throughout his detention and although the local media an Accra-based radio station, Nana Bosomprah said it was his followers that Kieffer had been killed by members of Simone Gbagbo’s entourage, in Nyamira, western Kenya, on the morning of 15 January and travelled
has reported seeing him on several occasions, the government remained who attacked the queen mother and that he was accepting responsibility without her knowledge, during a botched interrogation within the presi- 30km to Kisii to purchase construction materials. His wife spoke to him
silent on the subject until April 2009 (see below). Last sighting: Manneh for their actions. dential compound. However, in apparent response to the new testimony, later that morning; that was the last time he was heard from. His family
was reportedly seen on 26 July 2007 at Gambia’s main hospital where the Ivorian state prosecutor Raymond Tchimou stated that Kieffer had reported his disappearance to the Nyamira police but it is understood that
he was receiving treatment for high blood pressure. He was said to be Attacked been taken out of the country and is still alive. Tchimou offered no other no missing person’s report was circulated to other police stations or to the
very weak and was accompanied by members of the Police Intervention *Ameenu SHARDOW: sports journalist with GHANAsoccernet website explanations or details on the journalist’s purported whereabouts. New provincial headquarters. Nyaruri was found decapitated two weeks later,
Unit (PIU), a paramilitary wing of the Gambian Police Force and Prison was violently assaulted on 24 July 2011 by police officers for demanding information: On 14 April 2011, Kieffer’s wife and daughter met with the on 29 January 2009, with his hands bound and with marks on his body
Service. Prior to the sighting Manneh had apparently been detained at an explanation from the police as to why journalists were being denied Ivorian ambassador in Paris to ask what possibilities there were of further in Kodere Forest near Nyamira. Prior to his disappearance, Nyaruri had
Mile Two Central prison on the outskirts of Banjul, before being briefly access to a football stadium in which a cup final was to be held (jour- investigation into Kieffer’s case following the departure of former presi- written a series of articles exposing financial and other malpractice by the
admitted to Gamtel Ward Hospital and then being transferred to a mili- nalists had reportedly been accredited to enter any part of the stadium.) dent Laurent Gbagbo. After the meeting the ambassador reportedly stated local police department. The last article he wrote, which appeared two
tary clinic in Banjul. ECOWAS ruling: On 5 June 2008, the Community Shardow told the Media Foundation for West Africa that he was dragged, that the “whole truth” would be revealed about Kieffer’s disappearance days before he disappeared, implicated local police in a public transport
Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States punched and electrocuted. He said that he was saved after the interven- and that he would speak to the minister of justice about the matter the racket. He had reportedly received threats from police officers in the area
(ECOWAS) in Nigeria declared Manneh’s arrest and detention illegal and tion of the Vice-president of the Ghana Football Association. same day. He added that President Ouattara wanted to put an end to im- as a result of the articles and had reportedly told friends and colleagues
ordered the Gambian authorities to release him. The court also awarded punity and establish the rule of law in Côte d’Ivoire. Kieffer’s wife noted that he feared for his life. A team of senior police officers was reportedly
Manneh US$100,000 in compensation from the Gambian government.
The government refused to cooperate throughout the court proceedings
GUINEA that President Ouattara had backed the family since from the time the
journalist disappeared. No further information as of 31 December 2011.
sent to Nyamira to investigate the murder. Investigation: On 8 June 2009
it was reported that two key witnesses, Nyaruri’s family lawyer and a
and has yet to comply with the ruling. Official position: On 6 April 2009, Detained policeman, had had gone into hiding after receiving death threats. The
the Gambian authorities finally broke their silence with regards to Man- * Albassirou DIALLO (aka El Bechir Diallo): journalist, was abducted and Acquitted lawyer had been pushing for the arrest of Nyaruri’s suspected killers;
neh’s disappearance when the Attorney General and Minister of Justice held incommunicado and without charge at a military camp in Conakry *César ETOU, Boga SIVORI, Didier DÉPRY: publisher, political desk the policeman had been providing protection to the lawyer and had been
publicly stated that the journalist was not in police custody and rejected on 11 August 2011. He was released on August 13, 2011. The journalist chief, administrator for Notre Voie were arrested on 24 November 2011 instrumental in the arrest of two key suspects. The threats warned them
the ECOWAS ruling. UN ruling: In November 2009, the United Nations said that his arrest was in connection with his cousin, Commander Alpha for allegedly publishing false information about President Alassane to drop the case. It is suspected that senior policemen from Nyamira may
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention issued an opinion stating that Oumar, who was among forty civilians and soldiers who were arrested Ouattara. A 21 November article claimed that President Ouattara had have masterminded the murder and be responsible for attempting to stall
the Gambian government’s arrest and continued detention of Manneh and held over their alleged role in the assassination attempt on President acquired luxury Mercedes Benz cars for himself and members of his the investigation. The police officers in charge of investigating the murder
are without legal justification and in violation of international law, and Condé on July 19. Diallo had reportedly received a telephone call from cabinet. The article said: “Whilst Ivoirians are dying of hunger and had also received repeated threats; one of them reportedly filed a com-
called for Manneh to be released immediately. Reported death in custody: an unknown person who asked him to come and pick up a bag of rice and disease, Ouattara has offered himself 40 Mercedes at a cost of 1.4 billion plaint to the police commissioner but this apparently caused the threats
On 15 April 2009 a report by Agence France-Presse quoted an unnamed money for Ramadan; he was met by CID officers who then arrested him. CFA francs (1.6 million Euros).” Dépry, was held over remarks he alleg- to intensify. As of 21 September 2009, one suspect, a member of a local
police source as saying that Manneh had been removed from Mile Two edly made in the same edition of the paper that the country’s currency gang, was reportedly facing murder charges, but the other, a taxi driver,
prison in the middle of the night some time in 2008, and speculating that
the journalist was dead. However, on 27 April 2009 it was reported that
IVORY COAST would be devalued, despite denials by the Central Banks for West and
Central Africa. Acquitted: On 6 December 2011 the case dismissed by
had been released without explanation and had not been seen since. On
24 February 2010, it was reported that a suspect had been arrested in Kisii
credible sources had said that Manneh was still alive. New information: Killed: official investigation ongoing judge due to lack of evidence; all freed. and transferred to Kisumu, where the case is being handled. Police said
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in a 16 March Guy-André KIEFFER: writer and independent reporter with joint French the suspect, a member of the Sungu Sungu group which is suspected to
2011 meeting with the Gambian media that was broadcast on state televi- and Canadian nationality, disappeared on 16 April 2004 and is assumed Case Closed have been hired to kill the journalist, had been identified shortly after the
sion, President Jammeh suggested that Manneh may have died. “Let me to have been killed. According to Reporters without Borders, he was “ab- Traore MEDANDJE: reporter for the daily newspaper L’Intelligent killing but had gone into hiding. Recent information: The murder trial
make it very clear that the government has nothing to do with the death ducted from the car park of an Abidjan supermarket on 16 April 2004 after d’Abidjan, was sentenced to a one-year jail sentence and a fine of 5 mil- was reportedly postponed again on 4 November 2010. The judge inves-
of Chief Manneh or Deyda Hydara or the disappearances of so many falling into a trap set for him by a member of [former] President Laurent lion CFA (approx 7,600 Euros) by the Abidjan Criminal court on 26 July tigating the case disqualified himself from the trial of the two suspects,
people,” said the President. He also suggested that Manneh may have Gbagbo’s entourage”. Background: Kieffer was the Abidjan correspon- 2010 on charges of defamation and attempted blackmail of a former health stating that it was his last day hearing criminal cases and he could not ini-
disappeared after attempting to illegally migrate to Europe or the United dent for the French publication La Lettre du Continent and had written ministry official. The case was prompted by a 4 September 2009 article in tiate a new case despite the presence of five witnesses in court, including
States. On 6 July 2011, a Gambian National Police spokesman told CPJ for French business publication La Tribune and other publications. He which Medandje accused the then departmental director of health of get- a key former police investigator into the murder, Robert Natwoli, who ar-
10 that the police have no information about Manneh. Update: Manneh’s also reportedly wrote for the Ivorian press under a pseudonym and was ting rich by setting up unauthorised private clinics in the Vavoua region. rested the suspects. Despite being a crucial witness, Natwoli has not been 11You can also read
